Outfielder Angels coveted is now heading to the A's

Matt Holliday, who was once the focus of trade rumors between the Angels and the Colorado Rockies, is being shipped to the Oakland A's, according to ESPN.com.

The deal isn't complete, but sources say that A's left-hander Greg Smith is heading to the Rockies.

Matt Holliday to the Athletics for even the short term makes great sense for both teams. Oakland has more left-handed pitchers than some divisions in baseball and can afford to give some up; the Rockies need to trade for pitching because they sure can't attract many via free agency.

Holliday can become a free agent after 2009 so Oakland can use his big bat to sell tickets -- why else would anyone want to watch that revolving door of AAAA players -- into the summer, then deal him to a big-market contender for some more nameless, faceless kids with attractive minor-league OBPs.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.